At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, the Stingray Lead Aquarist plays a key role in the daily care and training of cownose, Southern, and Atlantic stingrays at Stingray Beach, the Zoo’s interactive stingray exhibit. This position supports the Supervisor in ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, overseeing life support systems in partnership with the Aquarium team, and maintaining safe, clean, and engaging exhibits for guests.
- The Lead Aquarist assists with monitoring water chemistry, animal health, and exhibit conditions, while also helping to coordinate staffing, training, and work assignments.
- In a proactive leadership role, the Lead Aquarist communicates regularly with the Supervisor and Chief Zoological Officer regarding animal management, facility maintenance, and departmental goals.
- This position may also train and mentor interns, seasonal staff, and animal care specialists, ensuring consistent performance and adherence to Zoo policies and procedures.
- Collaboration is essential to success in this role.
- The Lead Aquarist works closely with Interactive Animal Programs (IAP) and Guest Services to create a safe, memorable, and impactful guest experience.
- By fostering professionalism, animal care excellence, and meaningful visitor engagement, the Stingray Lead Aquarist helps advance the Zoo’s mission of inspiring lifelong stewardship for animals and their habitats.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):
- Animal Husbandry and Welfare
- Implement animal care protocols in alignment with Zoo standards, Living Exhibits SOPs, and AZA guidelines.
- Monitor stingray health, behavior, and body condition; document observations and assist with welfare assessments.
- Participate in animal handling and routine husbandry procedures, including safe barb trimming.
- Support stingray health management, diet preparation, supplemental feeding, and inventory tracking.
- Maintain accurate records of animal care, water quality, and life support systems using ZIMS.
- Contribute to enrichment programs to encourage natural behaviors and promote positive animal welfare.
Life Support Systems (LSS) and Facility Operations
- Develop a working knowledge of exhibit life support system functions and mechanics.
- Assist with the operation, monitoring, and routine maintenance of LSS to ensure optimal conditions.
- Perform water quality testing and basic system adjustments under the guidance of the Supervisor or LSS staff.
- Support exhibit cleanliness, safety, and presentation in both guest and behind-the-scenes areas.
- Assist with building and grounds upkeep including basic maintenance, cleaning, and horticultural tasks.
Staff Support and Training
- Assist the Supervisor in training, mentoring, and directing interns and seasonal staff.
- Provide onboarding support for new team members and help cross-train staff on husbandry and LSS protocols.
- Serve as acting Supervisor when delegated including coverage of daily operations or emergency response situations.
- Promote a safe, professional, and collaborative work environment through teamwork and positive example.
- Guest Experience and Collaboration
- Work closely with Interactive Animal Programs (IAP) and Guest Services to provide guests with safe, memorable, and impactful interactions.
- Serve as a knowledge resource for interpreters and other staff working in or around the stingray exhibit.
- Support cross-departmental efforts including marketing, PR, special events, and education programs when needed.
- Model professionalism and engage meaningfully with guests to support the Zoo’s mission of education and conservation.
Safety and Risk Management
- Follow established safety protocols when working around stingrays and exhibit systems.
- Report and respond promptly to animal welfare or guest safety concerns.
- Assist in maintaining secure enclosures and safe operating procedures for staff and visitors.
- Other Responsibilities
- Assist with scheduling, daily records, interdepartmental communication, and staff meetings as directed by the Supervisor.
- Contribute ideas for operational improvements that enhance guest experience, animal welfare, and staff support.
- Provide temporary coverage or assistance at other Living Exhibits locations as needed.
- Support general Zoo operations and participate in advancing the Zoo’s conservation and education goals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to work independently once familiar with established procedures while also thriving in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with proven success in supervising, training, and mentoring staff.
- Thorough understanding of animal training principles and techniques with the ability to teach and coach staff in their application.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including confidence in public speaking for educational presentations, tours, and media engagements.
- Proficiency in operational and administrative tools, including husbandry equipment, life support systems, and office software.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, particularly in assessing animal behavior, staff performance, and guest safety.
Required Qualifications:
- Four years of professional experience in exotic animal care, behavior, and husbandry; aquatics experience strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Animal Science, Behavior, or related field is preferred.
- Knowledge of aquarium systems including life support systems (LSS), water chemistry, closed filtration systems, and quarantine protocols.
- Demonstrated understanding of freshwater and marine fishes, with ability to monitor health and welfare effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with confidence in public speaking and guest engagement.
- Experience delivering educational presentations, tours, or media interactions.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in responding to animal behavior concerns, operational issues, or emergencies.
- Proficiency in standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and make informed decisions with minimal supervision.
- Must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds, climb ladders, work in elevated areas, and perform physically demanding husbandry tasks.
- Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions.
- Position requires regular contact with stingrays and potentially dangerous animals; adherence to established safety protocols and risk management procedures is essential.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
- It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
